Choosing the best face mask for teachers
"Teachers are best using KN95 or Medical N95 masks," says Robert E. Marx, DDS, who treats temporomandibular joint disorders and is the chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine. "KN95 masks are more comfortable for a long day in the classroom. But both will protect the wearer and surrounding students and administrators."
But KN95 and N95 masks aren't the only doctor recommended options. Padma Yarlagadda, MD, internist who treats disorders of the kidney, disorders of high blood pressure, and other complications of kidney failure at Regional Medical Center, San Jose, California, suggests a tightly-woven, cotton mask option, that has a filter. "You can use a polypropylene filter that can be purchased at stores such as Walmart," says Dr. Yarlagadda. "If you cannot get a polypropylene filter, you can try using two sheets of facial tissues or get a tightly woven cotton face mask with three to four layers." Other face mask filters include carbon or activated charcoal, or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Of course, it's still important that the mask is worn correctly: Marx advises making sure that the mask covers the nose and adapts to the skin of the cheek. "The fit and constancy of wearing the mask throughout the day are most important," says Marx. These are the mistakes you're probably making with face masks.
10 Best Face Masks for Teachers on Amazon, Source:https://www.rd.com/list/best-face-masks-for-teachers/
